SOUTHAMPTON were last night plunged into turmoil by the departure of Nicola Cortese – despite owner Katharina Liebherr receiving his letter of resignation three months ago.

Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino said in May he would follow if chairman Nicola Cortese left the club [ACTION]

The future of Mauricio Pochettino became the immediate concern of Saints fans, after he pledged in May that he would follow Cortese out of the door if the Italian were to be allowed to leave. And doomsayers are predicting an exodus of loyal stars – led by £21million Chelsea target Luke Shaw.

The daughter of original investor Markus Liebherr will take over the interim running of the club despite having absolutely no knowledge or understanding of football and the search for a more permanent replacement will begin today.

However, she only has herself to blame as an insider said: “Nicola offered his resignation months ago and has been trying to make the owner see sense in the meantime. It became clear this week that it wasn’t going to happen.”

Cortese’s departure comes at the end of his stipulated notice period and brought to a close a row over Liebherr’s plans to try to cash in on the incredible rise of the club under Cortese’s stewardship since he arrived in the summer of 2009.

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With great regret we have accepted the resignation of Mr Cortese. He has done a wonderful job at the club

Southampton Club Statement

Cortese had advised continuing the “project” until a buyer emerged naturally but, having invested just £14m initially and subsequently turning £33m of loans into shares, the valuation of Fulham for £150m is thought to have pushed Liebherr into wanting to capitalise more imminently.

For now, she will become the non-executive chairman at Southampton and oversee the search for Cortese’s replacement personally.

“With great regret we have accepted the resignation of Mr Cortese,” she said in a statement. “He has done a wonderful job at the club and we very much wanted him to stay.

“A search has now begun for a successor. In the meantime, it is business as usual and we will ensure that the manager, the team and all the staff at the club have all the help and support they need.”

Her main job will be to rebuff the vultures hoping to take advantage of the chaos, with Chelsea first in line. They are offering £6m-rated Ryan Bertrand plus £15m in cash for England Under-21 international Luke Shaw, although it is understood that bid was rejected, with Arsenal and both Manchester clubs also monitoring the situation.